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not sure the Gp will be much help there
Seriously, though, my advice to the 'head' problem is to turn off the computer and go outside into the (cold) fresh air. It won't be so bad next week when you're back at work and your mind is occupied more xx

I know that you are finding the tests reassuring but please try to kick the habit or at least, as you say, limit it to one a week. All they are telling you is that your HCG is above a certain threshold.

Quoted

Originally posted by Maria72 Don't I have to tell the GP I'm pregnant anyway? Who knows.

In my area the GPs won't do anything until you reach 8 weeks. But every area is different and some would fill int he midwife form now. I think if I were you I'd wait until I have had my scan as it is only 2 weeks away. how about making an appt for the day after your scan date?

Hi all. Feeling very low today. My bloods didn't double in the 48 hrs (or more like 40 hrs) between tests. And to make matters worse I did a left over clear blue and according to the read out I'm still only 1-2 wks pg.

Symptoms all but stopped, 'cept for the achey boobs and I can't help but feel we're heading for an empty sac at our scan. I'm not looking forward to going through that again, and its breaking my heart that DH will have to.

Quoted

Originally posted by JENSQUI
Sorry to hear that you are worried CB if you don't mind me asking then, what were your levels? xx

160 up to 220 within about 40 hrs. That was a week ago - so still pretty low anyway.

I know Kara, maybe I shouldn't have asked for bloods, maybe I shouldn't have used that left over test... but I did - and I think I only did that coz I had a genuine feeling things might not be right... I'm trying to not even think about it now. I did far too much ridiculous sobbing yesterday. Got to be a bit more together today - mainly for DH.

EPU just called me back. They can't fit me in for a scan until 15th Jan. I should be 9.5 weeks then. Feels like a lifetime away. If I start to miscarry in the next 2 weeks I know that I will have wanted to know if there was ever a heartbeat. Just phoned Al at work and he said why don't we just book a private one at the place we went to with the first pregnancy. We learned a long time ago that trying to deal with this PCT area just leads to us feeling frustrated and cross. The emotional upset of fighting against the system just isn't worth the £65 it costs to get a private scan.

edited to say I couldn't be doing with the procrastination and have booked a private scan for 12pm next Wednesday. I will now try to book a Dr's appt for the following day.

thanks girls! Crazily, I see the scan as more of a psychological insurance plan in case I miscarry rather than a reassurance. With my first pg we had a private scan at 8.5 weeks. Although we saw a heartbeat the baby was a week smaller than it should have been. A week later when I miscarried this really helped as, instead of driving myself crazy wondering at what stage it had got to, I felt that I knew it was a random chromosome problem because it clearly wasn't growing properly. With the 2nd pg I never really knew what happened. The contents of my womb were sent for analysis but I never got any answers from that. Even the cons who did the internal scan at the EPU said it didn't look 'normal'. It wasn't ectopic, didn't look like a blighted ovum or molar. I will be astounded if all looks ok at next week's scan!

Hope the scans go well Danielle and Jen (and anyone else who has a scan coming up!)

Just wandered if it was ok to join you here? I had a mc, at 6 weeks in Oct, and also had an early mc, at 5 weeks, in July 06. I conceived H on clomid, and this pregnancy is a clomid pregnancy. My 2 mc's were conceived naturally, but I have had issues with short luteal phases, and low progesterone, which they think has played a role in my mc's, and the clomid has helped boost my cycles/progesterone levels.
My progesterone bloods, mid luteal phase, for this cycle, were fine, so that's positive.

However, I still feel very anxious, and worried. I'm coming up to the 5 to 6 week mark, where I have mc'd before, and I know I was very anxious around this time, with H's pg, and will be again now, because of the mc's.
I saw my GP yesterday, and whilst he was lovely, and tried on one hand to be reassuring, he was also very 'straight talking', and whilst I appreciate that, it was hard hearing some of what he said.
Getting an early NHS scan here is hard, to say the least, so tomorrow I'm sorting a private scan, for in a couple of weeks or so.

It all feels very odd, I have alot of conflicting emotions, ranging from feeling positive, to worrying, constant symptom checking, and knicker watch!!....to feeling that the emotions from the mc in Oct, are still quite fresh....and a million more thoughts whirling round in my head!

Had a 'moment' at work today, was having a tough shift, and as I said, feeling really wobbly right now, and started crying, bless my friend, she sat me down, got me a cuppa!

Of course you can join in here! I understand your worries, it does help to get them off your chest here though.

I have conflicting emotions daily too. I'm still so shocked and overjoyed that I even got pregnant naturally anyway and so scared at the same time. The only thing I know I can do is be as positive as possible.

I think we are all up and down on this thread. Our EPU do scans if you have had previous miscarriages and their policy is to do it at 8.5 weeks. This is because, if all is well at this stage, the percentage for going on to have a healthy baby is in the high 90's. Just thought I would mention it if you are deciding when to have a private one.

I think that once you get past the stage of your previous m/cs you will feel a little better (even if not totally reassured). I know that with my 2nd m/c when I got past the 9 weeks stage (when I m/c with my first) I felt much more confident. Shame it didn't work out well and I now have to get past 11.5 weeks before I feel okay, but c'est la vie!
Take heart that your body has proved it can carry a baby to full term and this pg is more likely to do that and give you another darling like H than to miscarry again.

I'm feeling a bit down today. I just want some indication that this pg is different to the others. At the moment it is progressing the same way. I know that some ladies never have morning sickness and that, in some cultures, it is actually rare to have it but I would just feel so much better if I had even one wave of nausea! Normally I'm the kind of person who feels nauseous very easily (terrible motion sickness, etc) so I just can't help thinking that no sickness is a bad sign

Thanks for the welcome everyone It is particularly hard, when it's coming up the time of previous mc's, all this seems one hurdle after the other, physically and/or emotionally, and at that time, it seems even harder.

Jen, I have a couple of friends who had no symptoms at all duirng their 1st tri, or most of their pg.

Danielle, hope your scan goes ok today.

Gemma, hope you are feeling a bit better today? I think you are right, taking each day as it comes, I'm trying to do that, and it helps, mind you, is it me, or do the days tick by slowly in these early weeks?

That's what I was thinking Jen, about the scan, and I had one at 9 weeks with H, and waited until then, because of what you said.
My GP said to book in early with the mw, at about 8 weeks, and she can then arrange for me to have my dating scan slightly earlier, I imagine around 10-11 weeks, rather than the 12ish mark, and I think a scan at 10-11 weeks would reassure me, if all was well.
My cons has said he wants to do an early scan, and this is the private one.
I have this 'thing' that before I see the mw, I at least have had a scan to see if things are looking ok/heading in the right direction. So I am going to have a scan with my cons, at 7 weeks, have booked it today, for Jan 15th.
Then, if all goes ok, the dating scan later in the 1st trimester.

Oh Laura, an early dating scan would be good. I've also read that if all is okay at 7 weeks then the percentages are in the high 70's. Sorry - I guess you may not be a stats person.... if they're 'good' stats it always makes me feel better

I've just been reminding myself of the cross-cultural morning sickness studies. Those that have a low rate of morning sickness are cultures where the diet is high in cereals, pulses and bland vegetables. As Al is vegetarian I guess our diet does tend to resemble that more than a typical Western diet. I don't eat meat very often and tend to stick to chicken or pork when I do. I eat a lot of fish, lentils and chickpeas and, of course, vegetables!! I don't drink tea or coffee (well, odd cup of tea at the weekend) and as we've been trying to improve Al's sperm for 2 years we don't eat processed food so everything is cooked from scratch. So that rules out fat and caffeine as well. I naturally eat little and often so my blood sugar is likely to be fairly even across the day.
Sorry, I've rambled on there but have made myself feel better by thinking that maybe my diet is the reason I haven't had any nausea!

Can I join you in here please? Im just so scared and dont feel ready to join the pg boards.

I woke up this morning to find that my boobs are no where near as tender as they have been. Im so worried as this is what happened last time, but Im not even 5 weeks yet. I dont know what to do, Im trying to stay positive but it's so hard.

I saw my gp on Monday, and due to my ectopic history will get an appt for early scan soon - probably for around the 6wk mark. I so hope everything is ok.

Hiya Liz, welcome! It's a very hard time, when we've had a previous loss, all those feelings and worries come flooding back. This thread is really good, to be able to support and gain support from each other.
Hope you get a scan sorted ok.

Jen, oh yes I'm a 'stats' person, have already being 'quoting' a few in my head, about scans etc!! That's good about the 7 weeks and high 70's' pretty good percentage!

What you say makes sense, about your diet, and the nausea. That study sounds interesting too.

Jen chuck all the stats you can at me - love them. Although if there's a rare disease or a series of unfortunate events - well they're likely to happen to me.

I've got an extra dimension of worry to add to all this head battering! not only the same time of year as the last loss, but my mum is likely to be admitted into hospital on the same day she was put on life support last year.

This is adding to the ever increasing stress levels! Although I'm trying to be "normal" over the coming days, and take everything on the chin!

Just thinking/having a 'moment!'
Bascially, this cycle, I ovd CD19, I'm pretty sure of this, going by ewcm, ov pain, my progesterone bloods, and when I got my positive HPT.
So, by that/dpo, I am 5 weeks today, but on LMP dates, and the 'classic' pregnancy wheel they use to date a pregnancy, I am 5 weeks 5days.
Now, I am going by when I ovd, and that I'm 5 weeks, and also know there are different factors that may affect dates/sizes, within a pregnancy at an early stage.
But I also know that as I said above, they do like to use the standard way of dating a pregnancy, my GP did straightaway, and was quite dismissive when I tried to say I'm probably a few days behind, with the dates, because of oving later.
Anyway, when I go for my scan, I will be 7 weeks, by when I think I ovd, but 7 weeks 5 days, by my LMP date. Again, I know measuremets etc can vary, as they are measuring something so small, but I'm a bit worried they may say that the scan shows it's smaller, by a few days, then I should be, when in actual fact, I'm expecting to be a few days behind. (they will be expecting almost 8, when I will be 7, and that could be quite a difference on a scan?).
Do you think a if I explain this clearly before the scan, it will help cause some potential worry, which could be needless? Am I worrying too much?!!
Sorry, I think I just need a bit of reassurance, getting myself in a twist about it!!!

Well boobs still are not as tender as they were, but do seem get a wee bit more so in the evenings. I guess the only way of knowing for sure will be at the scan. I just have to keep all is well this time. I find it reassuring to know that Im not alone with all this constant boob checking - Im driving myself crazy.

Laura - I dont think you are worrying too much and if it will make you feel better to explain you ov later and stop any potential worries, then I would do so. I also ov around day 19, but as I had natural ivf EC was day 17 so not that different to my usual cycle. I think that makes me a day behind you doesn't it?

Laura - in my cycles I usually ov around cd 16 so in previous pgs I have explained this to the GP who has borne it in mind that I am more a 30/31 cycle girl. In the first pg when I had a scan at 8 weeks and the embryo was small for the date the sonographer did ask me what my cycle length was to see if this could be an explanation for the small size.
Not sure if that helped, but I guess what I am trying to say is that I'm sure if you explain then they'll be accommodating at your scan.

How are we all holding up? I had good news from my scan yesterday and all is well. We even saw baby's heartbeating!! We're so pleased. My con is referring back over to NHS care now but did say if I wanted to go back for a quick 2 min scan before my NHS one I can for free!

Welcome Liz and Happy New Year xxx

Jen - I don't feel sick either hun. I think I do at times but I soon forget about it. We must be the lucky ones.

I think I have confirmed my fears. I did a CB digi test Wednesday evening and it came back with Pregnant 3+, however, I did the other one this morning and it says Prenant 2-3. This means my hcg levels are dropping doesnt it? Would explain why boobs dont feel as tender too

The other day the levels in your urine could have been bang on the threshold of 2/3 & 3+. Your urine could have been weaker this morning...
All I'm trying to say is that one explanation is that your HCG levels have dropped but maybe there are others? Would you be able to speak to your GP today to see if they will do repeat blood tests for you?

I've got an appt at 4.20 this afternoon with my GP. I have also called the EPU and although the lady told me not to do any more tests as it's clearly distressing me, Im not really filled with confidence. She also told me that it is far too early to do anything to see how the pg is progressing, which of course I already know. I just can't help but think the worst, Im so upset I said to her but it's not looking good is it and she just said: why?! - you have no bleeding, no pain so just keep your fingers crossed.

I have everything crossed for you xxx
Would the repeat blood tests help you? I know it is a few days of waiting for results but it will be a little while before a scan could be conclusive. If you think they would help then please be insistent with your GP when you see them hun xx

I bet the CB people have no idea what worries they are causing. I really never liked the idea of those tests and now I'm even less in favour of them!

I didn't have any blood test done to confirm pg, but I guess I can ask her if its worth doing just for my peace of mind isnt it. I can't relax now and am contstantly bursting into tears. I that Im worrying for nothing...

It is worth asking Liz. At this stage repeat blood tests done 2-3 days apart will show you if your HCG level is rising as expected. Given your previous m/c history and how worried you are the doc may agree to this to help your mental state. They won't always do this though, especially if you are not in any pain and are not bleeding.

Oh Liz, sorry you are going through this worr, those CB tests aren't an accurate measure of what's going on, as like Jen says, so many vairables could affect the conception indicator, and while the idea behind them may sound appealing, it seems they can cause no end of worry. I agree with Jen, it could well be worth asking to have a couple of sets of bloods, to see if your levels are rising.